NAVAJO COUNTY, AZ — A White Mountain Apache police officer was arrested recently for allegedly hitting and killing a pedestrian in his patrol car and fleeing the scene.
Josh Anderson is accused of hitting and killing a pedestrian southeast of Pinetop-Lakeside on SR 73 around 3:30 a.m. on November 23, according to the Navajo County Sheriff's Office. He then allegedly fled the scene.
During their investigation, the White Mountain Apache Police Department determined the vehicle that hit the victim, Iris Billy, was Anderson's patrol unit. Damage consistent with a pedestrian crash was also found on the patrol vehicle.
Police located and arrested Anderson at his home in Whiteriver, Arizona, on November 24. After his arrest, Anderson submitted his resignation to the department.
Anderson faces the following tribal criminal code violations: Assault, aggravated assault causing injury, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault causing serious physical injury, criminal negligence, reckless driving, interference with an officer, death caused by a vehicle, and leaving the scene of a fatality collision.
Additional information about the crash has not been released.
ABC15 spoke with Billy's family who described her as a mom of two young children who was outgoing and always there for others.
They say they believe Billy was trying to get a ride when she was hit and killed, but don't have many details.
Her family has created an online fundraiser to help with expenses.
The FBI has taken over the investigation.
